U.S. patent number 6,902,525 [Application Number 10/748,818] was granted by the patent office on 2005-06-07 for dual-motion auto-stimulation device.
Invention is credited to Stephen W. Jewell.
United States Patent |
6,902,525 |
Jewell |
June 7, 2005 |
Dual-motion auto-stimulation device
Abstract
A device designed to take rotary power from an external power
source such as a cordless electric screwdriver and transmit that
energy into both rotary and reciprocating linear activation of
sexual devices used by both males and females for the purpose of
masturbation and auto-stimulation is disclosed. The combination of
rotational stimulation with reciprocating linear stimulation is
apparently remarkably satisfying despite the absence of such
stimulation during normal person-on-person sexual contact. The
device is simple, light weight, small, powerful, modestly priced,
handheld or hands-free, user serviceable, hygienic, gender neutral,
sexual orientation neutral, convenient, rugged, multi-motion, safe,
reliable, quiet, fully submersible, positionally versatile and
sexually satisfying.
Inventors: |
Jewell; Stephen W. (League
City, TX) |
Family
ID: |
34620638 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/748,818 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H
19/44 (20130101); A61H 19/32 (20130101); A61H
2201/0153 (20130101); A61H 2201/1418 (20130101); A61H
2201/1664 (20130101); A61H 2201/1671 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61D
7/00 (20060101); A61B 17/42 (20060101); A61B
17/43 (20060101); A61H 15/00 (20060101); A61H
19/00 (20060101); A61H 7/00 (20060101); A61F
5/00 (20060101); A61H 019/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;601/97,101-103,112-114,109,120,123,125,126,129,130,135,137
;600/38-41,33-35 ;446/236,240,241,246 ;74/22R,23,24,55,57 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Gilbert; Samuel G.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lightweight portable apparatus for producing simultaneous
rotating and linearly reciprocating motion and transmitting such
motion to a suitable self stimulation masturbation device, said
apparatus comprising: a power transmission assembly including a
drive shaft; connection means associated with the drive shaft
adapted to enable rotatable connection of the drive shaft to an
external rotating power source; and attachment means affixed to the
distal end of said drive shaft and adapted to attach to and
transmit motion from the drive shaft to a selected suitable self
stimulation device;
said power transmission assembly comprising, a linear actuation
assembly operatively coupled to the drive shaft; and rotary energy
transmission means associated with said drive shaft to transmit
rotary energy from the drive shaft to the linear actuation
assembly; said linear actuation assembly comprising; a transmission
fork fixedly attached to said drive shaft; and a cammed shuttle
connected to said transmission fork and adapted to receive
rotational energy therefrom; a cam follower engage with said cammed
shuttle to induce linear reciprocation of the shuttle within a
confined space as it rotates.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power
transmission assembly includes a gearbox assembly containing at
least two gears and the linear actuation assembly includes a clutch
assembly.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attachment means
includes a universal adapter suitable to receive and attach to a
multiplicity of self stimulation devices.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a stand-off assembly
is included adapted to safely separate the user from the operating
components of the power transmission assembly and the stimulation
device and comprises a tube adapted to be secured in place at the
distal end of the power transmission assembly.
5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the stand-off assembly
further comprises a stand-off extender adapted to slip over the
outside of the stand-off tube to enable the user to linearly
position the masturbation device within the overall assembly; said
stand-off extender being adapted to be locked in place after
adjustment.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein said stand-off assembly
for the male configuration is longer than that for the female
configuration.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the linear actuation
assembly comprises: a generally tube-shaped outer protective
transmission housing connected to and surrounding said drive shaft
and directly associated therewith; a drive train mechanism also
within said transmission housing and adapted to receive rotary
motion from the drive shaft; an oscillating shuttle adapted to fit
within the transmission housing and to move linearly therein, said
shuttle having at least one cam groove cut into the outer surface
thereof; at least one cam follower fixedly mounted on the
transmission housing and adapted to engage said at least one cam
groove in the shuttle and thereby induce linear reciprocation of
the shuttle following the profile of the cam groove when the
shuttle rotates; a rotatable transmission fork located within the
linear shuttle and fixed in place laterally relative to the
transmission housing and fixedly attached to said second means to
receive rotational energy therefrom; said transmission fork being
adapted such that rotation of the laterally fixed transmission fork
is transmitted to the shuttle, but the shuttle is still free to
move linearly within the transmission housing.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the action of the
shuttle is electromagnetically induced.
9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the action of the
shuttle is entirely mechanically induced.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission and
shuttle assemblies are made longer and larger radially such that
the shuttle itself is capable of carrying a male masturbation
sleeve internal to that component as well as being adaptable to
actuating female devices by way of a reducing adapter.
11. A lightweight portable apparatus for producing simultaneous
rotating and linearly reciprocating motion and transmitting such
motion to a suitable self stimulation masturbation device
comprising: a power transmission assembly including a drive shaft;
connection means associated with the drive shaft to enable
rotatable connection of the drive shaft to an external rotating
power source and a universal adapter affixed to the distal end of
the power transmission assembly so as to move in synchrony with the
active components of said power transmission assembly, said
universal adapter being adapted to connect with and transmit those
movements to a suitably selected stimulation device, said power
transmission assembly comprising a generally tube-shaped outer
protective transmission housing a drive shaft within said
transmission housing and directly associated therewith; a drive
train mechanism within said transmission housing and adapted to
receive rotary motion from the drive shaft;
second means associated with said drive shaft to transmit rotary
energy from the drive shaft to the drive train mechanism; said
drive train mechanism comprising a shuttle adapted to fit within
the transmission housing and to move linearly therein; a rotatable
transmission fork coaxially coupled with said shuttle and connected
to the transmission housing and fixedly attached to said second
means to receive rotational energy therefrom; said transmission
fork being adapted such that rotation of the laterally fixed
transmission fork is transmitted to the shuttle, while said shuttle
is free to move linearly within the transmission housing, and
housing of the power transmission assembly.
12. The device according to claim 11, further comprising a
stand-off assembly securable on the distal end of the protective
transmission housing of the power transmission assembly and adapted
to safely separate the user from the operating components of the
power transmission assembly and the stimulation device.
13. The device according to claim 11, wherein a transmission
extension is fixedly connected inside the distal end of the shuttle
and extending outside the shuttle, said connection being by way of
a clutch assembly, including a compressible elastomer o-ring and a
hard, solid clutch washer such that when compressed by the clutch
washer, the o-ring will expand radially outwards to create
frictional contact with the inside of the shuttle.
14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the clutch assembly
includes a clutch base attached rigidly to the top of the
transmission extension and a clutch screw threaded into said clutch
base where the amount of frictional contact between the 0-ring and
the clutch washer is adjusted by threading the clutch screw into
the clutch base.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of sexual devices used
by both males and females for the purpose of sexual
auto-stimulation. In particular, the invention relates to
mechanical devices adapted to transmit rotary energy into both
rotary and reciprocating linear activation for the purpose of
masturbation and/or stimulation of one's partner during sexual
play.
Various known devices for stimulating the female genitalia have
been developed for the purpose of providing sexual gratification
and climax during sexual intercourse, foreplay, and masturbation.
Generally, they are used for personal pleasure and recreation by
providing the user healthy sexual outlets. They are sometimes used
in combination with sex-therapy programs. The sexual devices can
provide the user an opportunity for sexual exploration and
development, alleviate fears and anxiety about sexual performance,
aid in the development of one's sensual capacities, and even
facilitate verbal, emotional and sexual communication between sex
partners. The most common form of such device is the vibrator,
which operates by applying pressure, friction, and vibration to the
clitoral region, walls of the vagina and/or external areas of the
genitalia.
There are far fewer devices available for male auto-stimulation.
These are principally soft elastomer sleeves into which the penis
is inserted and manually massaged.
2. Description of the Background Art
The need and demand for products used for sexual self-satisfaction
and/or to increase satisfaction between couples, be they
heterosexual or homosexual, can be illustrated by the plethora of
product offerings filling sex shops and adult stores, and orderable
online from literally thousands of Internet retailers.
A routine search on a popular search engine was conducted to search
the Internet for the single term "sex toys" in quotes (so as not to
get hits related to either "sex" OR "toys" by itself) and got
800,000 hits. For comparison purposes, the term "sleeping bag"
returned 363,000 hits, and "bowling ball" returned a paltry 93,000.
A survey of the first five pages (50 hits) was conducted to see how
many of the hits were retailers as opposed to other types of sites.
42 of the first 50 hits (84%) were sites selling sex toys. If these
50 sites can be taken as representative of the rest, then there may
be as many as 672,000 sites where something inanimate can be
purchased to stimulate and/or enhance sexual pleasure. An estimated
half of these sites are in North America. Clearly, there is a large
demand, and a large supply, of devices for use in sexual
stimulation.
One not so subtle site lists the sales volume of their 300
bestsellers over a reported two-month period in 2002. In the top
spot is the "Ravenous Rabit", a purple dildo/vibrator for her that
sold 1063 units at $34.00. In 300th position was the Bullfighter
Pump, a vacuum penis pump operated by a hand-held squeezable bulb,
which sold 48 units at $27.00. The full product catalog lists over
2100 products ranging in price from $5890.00 for a life-like
silicon love doll with all the appropriate lovemaking equipment to
a $4.00 edible condom.
When one multiplies the reported unit volume by the unit price for
just the 300 purported top sellers at the "Sextoys" site, we find a
sales volume of just over $US700,000.00. And this is for only a
reported two months of sales by a single online retailer, who
apparently has another 1800 products whose sales were not
reported.
Of course, not all sex products for sale are devices. Many are
lotions and lubricants, condoms, lingerie, and other sexual
paraphernalia. Of those that can be considered auto-erotic
stimulating devices, many or most are hand held and or operated.
These include silicon and other soft plastic elastomer sleeves for
penile stimulation and many non-operating penis substitutes
intended for vaginal and rectal insertion. Those that actually
provide some form of mechanical stimulation usually do so with
small internal motors generating predominantly vibratory action
operating on two, three or four AA or AAA batteries. Like their
un-powered cousins, the user is expected to impart most of the
intercourse simulating motion.
There are a few dildos that claim linear thrusting in the head of
the device but, to the extent these claims are true, this action is
not a close intercourse simulation. We claim there are very few
natural penises so talented as to alternatively grow and shrink in
length to any substantive degree while inserted in a vagina.
For both men and women, what is required to simulate the act of
copulation involves rather long strokes of the entire device that
terminate near full insertion. This is not to suggest that other
forms of stimulation like vibration and rotation are not also
appropriate for auto-stimulation, but simply to point out that they
have not routinely been a part of one-on-one human sexual contact
over our evolutionary history and therefore not the first choice
from the menu.
These mass-marketed devices retail from as little as ten dollars
for a simple small vibrator up into the sixty to eighty dollar
range for more sophisticated machines. They are almost without
exception less than $100 in America. Overall, they may be
characterized as cheap, fragile, underpowered, gender specific,
single action, often unhygienic when badly insulated internal
electrical components prevent proper washing by means of
submersion, unserviceable by the user, and disappointingly
unsatisfying sexually. No sexual partner need worry about losing
their mate's affection to any of these machines.
The background paragraph of U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,929, issued to
Padgett in November of 2000, states, "There exists a need for a
cheap, effective, safe, private, disease free, non impregnating,
and natural like way for a woman to achieve sexual gratification
with a sexual stimulation apparatus." While this may be correct,
the statement's applicability ought to be extended to the males of
our species as well. A machine very similar to the one described by
Padgett is currently being marketed. It is called the "Jetaime",
and can be found on the Internet at
(http://wwwjetaime.to/jetaime.htm). Unfortunately the quoted price
of this machine as of this writing is $US1195.00, hardly
inexpensive and not readily available for every would-be
self-satisfier.
There is another class of machines more capable of simulating
intercourse. These are known colloquially but rather descriptively
as `the fucking machines`. Most of these machines do have long and
adjustable stroke length and many are featured on the
manufacturer's Internet Website. Their actions are derived by
numerous methods including pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical. We
mentioned the Jetaime and its price earlier. One manufacturer in
Texas called TFM manufacturers sells nine different machines. For
the least expensive `Mini Custom TFM` prices begin at $US650.00.
Pricing on the most expensive machine begins at $1700 with most of
the machines in the $1000 to $1400 range. Prices begin here because
like all the other manufacturers of these devices, this one custom
manufactures each machine by hand to the happy owner's
specifications.
There are two machines that reportedly are very popular. The Sybian
is a machine designed for females that the woman sits atop and is
penetrated by a mechanically actuated dildo. Two motors provide
differing action; one vibration and a second a peculiar form of
rotation. The dildo doesn't actually revolve within the user but
the top sweeps through a circular arc while the base remains
stationary. The inventors (Abco Research Associates) self-report on
their website manufacturing and selling `hundreds` of Sybians at
$1400 since 1987. This is one of the few dual-action machines
presently available.
A second product for male users is sold by Abco Research. It is
called the Venus and is a patented device (U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,650
issued to Gellert in March 1996). This device is a pneumatically
operated penile sleeve. A reciprocating pump causes the air
pressure on the outside of the sleeve to rise and fall so that the
sleeve moves up and down on the penis of the user. The Venus 2000
receives glowing reviews, but sells for $955 and is once again
single action, and is of course gender specific.
Inventive minds have been hard at work building machines that
provide sexual release. Nevertheless, we characterize this second
collection of Sow volume custom built machines as large, heavy,
cumbersome, expensive, powerful, often noisy, gender specific,
generally unserviceable by unskilled user, single action,
unhygienic, and in many cases plainly dangerous.
A third class of machines are those that were not sexual
stimulation devices by design, but are instead machines built for
other purposes and put to novel use. The "Fucksall" is simply a
reciprocating saw found in many home workshops to which a dildo is
attached. These machines typically provide about two inches or less
of stroke. In another innovative twist, the "Drilldo" is simply a
dildo attachment device with a 1/4 inch hex drive on the back such
that the user can attach an electric drill or other rotary energy
source thereby causing the dildo to rotate inside the male or
female orifice of preference. Any linear stroke must be manually
provided by the user.
The attachment mechanism used on the Drilldo to connect to the
dildo is not unique to this device. The adapter is an industry
standard connection called the Vac-U-Loc that fits an entire line
of dildos offered by Doc Johnson (Health Devices Corp. doing
business as), one of the largest manufacturers of sexual devices.
The fact that this prominent manufacturer maintains this line of
products, which are functional only when connected to another
device, suggests that there are a large number of various sexual
devices to which these stimulation devices might be attached.
The Drilldo and a few similar items do provide rotational
stimulation, which users appear to find satisfying despite the
absence of such stimulation during normal person-on-person sexual
contact over our evolutionary development. In fact this type of
stimulation is difficult to attain between two sexual partners.
Once again, inventive minds have worked on this articulation
problem. The "sex swing" (18,200 internet hits) offers the standard
answer. One website offers six different models all from different
manufacturers. The swings are either supported from the ceiling or
some other overhead structure or may be purchased with
purpose-designed and marketed freestanding frames. They provide for
one sexual partner to be suspended in slings of various designs
attached to the overhead structure by spring or bungee cords. While
there are many sexual positions suggested as effective for use with
swings, there is only one practical one in which rotational
stimulation (in conjunction with linear thrust afforded by the
springs or bungee) is possible. This of course is with one partner
suspended directly above the other where the suspended partner can
be freely rotated. Swings themselves are modestly priced ($100 to
$250) as sophisticated sexual aids go, but they are difficult to
set up, get suspended in, and put away out of the children and
neighbors' sight. There is the added danger in the aforementioned
configuration that an equipment failure, ceiling or ceiling
attachment failure, or a simple slip by the suspended partner
within the sling might end the session with catastrophic
consequences. Swings are an extreme measure to resort to in order
to experience simultaneous insertion and rotation.
For all these reasons there exists a need for a device that
provides both rotary and linear reciprocating activation of sexual
devices used by both males and females for the purpose of sexual
stimulation. Such a device would be desirable only if it could be
convenient, simple and safe, easy to handle, light and small, yet
powerful and still be modestly priced, rugged, reliable and
satisfying.
SUMMARY OF FIGURES
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the assembled device of the
invention in its female configuration. The dotted lines are added
to show how the female attachment is connected to the oscillating
drive train shuttle within the protective housing.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention
with the cover 9 of the gearbox exploded outwardly to reveal the
gear train power transmission working components.
FIG. 3 is a rotated right side view of the device shown in FIG.
2.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 2 as
viewed along the line 4--4 in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a reverse perspective view the device shown in FIG. 2
with the stand-off housing and other outer housing components
removed so as to illustrate the power transmission and dual-motion
aspects of the invention.
FIG. 6 shows the detail of a preferred form of shuttle having two
different profiles for the cam follower grooves, each following a
different path around the shuttle.
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the detail of a preferred form
of stand-off assembly with the housing 20 removed.
FIG. 8 illustrates the expanded stand-off assembly of FIG. 7
configured to carry a male masturbation device (not shown) and
having the protective housing in place.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a light weight, portable,
multi-motion device that provides all of the above characteristics
and, in addition, is adapted for handheld or hands-free operation,
thereby enhancing sexual activity and providing satisfying sexual
stimulation. The device may be fabricated in a cost effective and
simple manner and thus will be relatively inexpensive while still
being rugged, reliable, hygienic, quiet, fully submersible and
positionally versatile. The device is simple and easy to use and
operate requiring little instruction.
It is a feature of the present invention that a device made
according to the invention is capable of being adapted to provide
mechanical stimulation to the genitalia of a woman or a man and
thus is gender and sexual orientation neutral.
It is also a feature of the present invention that a device made
according to the invention can take rotary power and transmit that
energy into rotary and linear reciprocating activation of sexual
devices used by both males and females for the purpose of sexual
stimulation. In the embodiment most thoroughly described below,
rotary power is provided from an external power source such as a
cordless electric screwdriver or drill.
The invention is embodied in a portable, lightweight, hand held
apparatus, adapted to be used by both males and females, for
producing simultaneous rotating and linearly reciprocating motion
and transmitting such motion to a suitable self stimulation
masturbation device for the purpose of sexual self stimulation.
In this embodiment, the invention comprises a power transmission
assembly including a drive shaft, connection means associated with
the drive shaft and adapted to receive rotational energy from an
external rotating power source and transfer that energy to enable
rotation of the drive shaft, and attachment means, affixed to the
distal end of the drive shaft, and adapted to attach to and
transmit motion from the drive shaft to a selected suitable self
stimulation device.
An optional, but important, element of the invention is a stand-off
assembly, adapted to keep the operating components of the power
transmission assembly and the stimulation device safely away from
the user.
The power transmission assembly represents the key to the unique
motion of the present invention. It comprises a linear actuation
assembly adapted to receive rotary motion from the drive shaft; and
rotary energy transmission means associated with the drive shaft to
transmit rotary energy from the drive shaft to the linear actuation
assembly.
In a preferred embodiment, the linear actuation assembly comprises
a generally tube-shaped outer protective transmission housing, a
transmission fork within the housing that is fixedly attached to
the drive shaft; and a cammed shuttle connected to the transmission
fork and adapted to receive rotational energy therefrom. The
shuttle is adapted to fit within the transmission housing and to
move linearly therein. A cam follower is fixedly mounted to engage
the cammed shuttle and induce linear reciprocation of the shuttle
within a confined space as it simultaneously rotates.
The shuttle, in its preferred form, has at least one suitably
configured cam groove cut into the outer surface thereof. A
corresponding cam follower is mounted on the transmission housing
and adapted to engage the cam groove in the shuttle and thereby
induce linear reciprocation of the shuttle following the profile of
the groove when the shuttle rotates.
A rotatable transmission fork is slidably located within the linear
shuttle and fixed in place laterally relative to the transmission
assembly housing. It is attached to and receives rotational motion
from an appropriate rotary energy transmission means, such as a
gear box assembly associated with the power connection and the
drive shaft. The transmission fork is designed and adapted such
that rotation of the laterally fixed transmission fork is
transmitted to the shuttle, but the shuttle is still free to move
linearly within the transmission housing.
The attachments assembly, affixed to the distal end of the power
transmission assembly so as to move in synchrony with the active
components of the power transmission assembly, is made to connect
with and transmit motion of the device to a suitably selected
stimulation mechanism. In its preferred form, the attachments
assembly includes a universal adapter, suitable to receive and
attach to a multiplicity of self stimulation devices.
A stand-off assembly, adapted to keep the operating components of
the power transmission assembly and the stimulation device safely
away from the user, is included with the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of this invention. The preferred form of such
stand-off assembly includes a tube adapted to be secured in place
on the distal end of the power transmission assembly and fit over
the selected stimulation mechanism, be it male or female, to
protect the user from injury.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The device of the present invention is designed to take rotary
power from an external power source, such as a cordless electric
screwdriver or the like, and transmit that energy into both rotary
and reciprocating linear activation of sexual devices used by both
males and females for the purpose of masturbation.
FIG. 1 shows the assembled device with the attachments assembly
configured for use by females. The female stimulation device 27 is
shown attached to the device of the invention but is not part of
the invention. The attachments assembly for the male configuration
is longer and includes a few additional pieces discussed further
below.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the power transmission assembly 1
comprises the key aspect of the invention and contains the majority
of its parts. In its preferred form, it is comprised of two major
subassemblies; a gearbox assembly 100 and a linear actuation
assembly 200. The gearbox housing 4 is rigidly attached to the
transmission housing 18 and together they maintain all their
respective components in their proper working relationship. FIG. 2
shows the power transmission assembly 1 in its entirety with the
gearbox cover 9 exploded to reveal the gear train. All these items
are suitably fixed in place in working association with each other.
The drive gear 7 is attached securely to the drive shaft 6, which
is driven by the external power source. It in turn drives an idler
gear 8, which revolves freely on a shaft molded into the inside of
the gearbox. The idler gear 8 transmits the rotation to the driven
gear 10. The driven gear otherwise turns freely on the driven gear
shaft 11. A capture screw 26 secures the driven gear shaft through
a suitable opening in the cover 9.
It will be obvious to anyone familiar with the art that other
mechanisms could be employed to transmit the rotary energy from the
drive shaft to the drive train mechanism contained inside the
transmission housing 18. Belts and pulleys in a number of forms,
frictional wheels, or even chain would all be effective for this
purpose. However, the disclosed embodiment is presently the
preferred one.
The transmission housing 18 is adapted to be secured at its distal
end to the stand-off assembly 300. In the embodiment shown in the
drawings (FIG. 1), this is done by means of a funnel connector 19,
which is adapted at one end to attach to the transmission housing
18 and at its distal end to connect with the stand-off housing
20.
In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the drive shaft 6 and
driven gear shaft 11 are both stainless steel and the gears and
most other parts are molded plastic unless noted differently.
Obviously, the choice of materials for all these components is
large and varied.
The drive shaft 6 passes through the underside of the gearbox
housing where it engages the drive gear as already discussed. As
will be observed, the underside of the gearbox cover 9 is adapted
to provide receiving holes for the metal shafts and, when held in
place atop the gearbox housing 4 by the four screws (not shown),
maintains stability in the shafts and close tolerances atop the
gears (7,8 and 10 in FIG. 2) to keep them in place on their
respective shafts.
FIG. 3 is the rotated right side view of the power transmission
assembly 100 and indicates the section line that gives rise to FIG.
4. FIG. 4 reveals the interaction between the gears and the
remaining drive train components contained within the transmission
housing 18. The driven gear 10 is affixed securely atop a
transmission fork 12 and imparts rotational energy into it.
Together the transmission fork 12 and the driven gear 10 are fixed
in place laterally relative to the transmission housing 18 and the
gearbox housing 4 by the driven gear shaft 11 and the capture screw
26. Also shown in FIG. 4 is the shuttle 2, which is the active
component responsible for generating the linear motion.
With reference to FIG. 5, it will be seen that the transmission
fork 12 is slotted completely through along a portion of its
length. The transmission fork 12 fits loosely and slidably inside
the shuttle 2. A drive pin 13 is secured in two opposing holes
along the centerline of the shuttle and passes through the slot in
the fork 12 leaving the drive pin 13 free to move linearly within
the slot in fork 12.
One can see then that, when the transmission fork is inserted into
the shuttle 2 and the drive pin inserted through the holes in the
shuttle and extending through the slot in the transmission fork,
rotation of the laterally fixed transmission fork 12 is transmitted
to the shuttle 2, but the shuttle is free to move linearly within
the transmission housing 18. Depending on the choice of materials
and their frictional and wear characteristics, it is possible that
sleeve bearings (not shown) may be necessary for the inner surface
to roll freely on the drive pin 13 and the outer surface to roll
against the slot in the transmission fork 12.
The shuttle 2 is what imparts the linear motion to later components
in the drive train. Cut into the outside surface of the shuttle, is
a groove as indicated in FIG. 5. A cam follower 3 is mounted on the
transmission housing 18 and is engaged inside the groove profile in
the shuttle 2. Because the cam follower 3 is fixed linearly with
regards to the transmission housing 18 (FIGS. 1-5), rotation of the
shuttle 2 induced by the drive pin 13 then causes the shuttle 2 to
move linearly within the transmission housing 18. The shuttle 2
when rotated will reciprocate linearly following the profile of the
groove on the shuttle.
We note at this point that by removing the capture screw 26 and
loosening the cam follower 3 so it no longer engages the groove in
the shuttle 2, that the entire drive mechanism will slide free of
the transmission housing 18. This provides for easy disassembly and
cleaning of the machine. In fact, because the components are all
stainless steel and plastic the device can be disassembled and
placed in the dishwasher.
FIG. 6 shows the detail of a preferred form of shuttle. As
indicated, a shuttle 2 is not limited to a single or simple groove
profile. There could be multiple grooves following different paths
around the shuttle causing different linear motion to be imparted.
In fact a single circular groove would cause the shuttle to remain
in a fixed linear position. Shown is a shuttle with two different
profiles. To make use of multiple profiles on a single shuttle
would require multiple holes in the transmission housing 18 capable
of accepting the cam follower 3 so as not to exceed the freedom of
motion afforded by the slots in the transmission fork 12. In one
embodiment of this configuration, a flashlight-like sliding switch
is mounted on the side of the transmission housing 18 and causes
different cam followers to engage different slots while the machine
is in motion, thereby allowing the user to quickly alternate
between different linear actions. And of course the shuttle itself
is easily removable. Thus, during a single use of a device
according to the present invention, a user could interchange
multiple shuttles having a variety of movement profiles.
Having brought up the possibility of complicated profiles on the
shuttle, we should also point out the same is possible for the
rotary motion. Remember the rotary motion delivered to the
transmission fork 12 is provided externally, but the rotary motion
imparted to the shuttle 2 could be transformed by altering the
shape of the slots in the transmission fork in which the drive pin
13 travels. Were these slots made to trace a sinusoidal path, or
the like, along their length, a rotational velocity oscillation, or
"wobble", would result.
Returning to FIG. 4, we can see the mechanism by which the rotary
and linear action of the shuttle 2 is carried down the drive train.
A transmission extension 23 is affixed inside the other end of the
shuttle by way of a clutch 15 and clutch washer 16. The clutch
assembly is a very important safety component in the system
protecting both the machine and the user. The clutch 15 is made of
a pliable elastomer that when compressed by the clutch washer 16
will expand radially outwards to create frictional contact with the
inside of the shuttle 2. The amount of friction is adjusted by
means of the clutch screw 17 that threads into the clutch base 14.
This in turn is attached rigidly to the top of the transmission
extension 23. The adjustment is actually accomplished with a long
screwdriver, which engages a slot (not shown) in the bottom of the
clutch screw 17. Together these components (14-17) form the clutch
assembly 30 whose position is indicated in hidden lines on FIG.
5.
If for any reason the transmission extension 23 or any down stream
components affixed to it were prevented from moving while the
machine was activated, the clutch would release to prevent damage
to the machine or injury to the user. The release is effective in
all directions and dimensions of motion. In the event the shuttle 2
was traveling down towards to user, and the business end were
prevented from doing so, the clutch could release and slide up
inside the shuttle 2 until encountering the fixed transmission fork
12 at the other end which is equivalent to the fully retracted
state of the machine.
In the alternate case, where the shuttle is retracting and moving
away from the user, if any problem caused the downstream mechanisms
to resist following it, the clutch will release and simply pull
free from the shuttle. And lastly, in the event of two much rotary
resistance, the clutch will release rotationally.
The device shown in FIG. 7 is much like that in FIG. 1 with the
stand-off housing 20 removed and configured with a male stimulator
28 (not part of the invention). The stand-off assembly 300 serves
to keep the operating components of the machine safely away from
the user. Inside the stand-off assembly 300, a universal adapter 25
is affixed to the distal end of the transmission extension 23 and
moves in synchrony with it. It is this piece to which specific
devices will be attached to activate various masturbation devices.
Obviously, the only requirements of the universal adapter 25 is
that it fit securely on the end of the transmission extension 23,
as shown in FIG. 7 and be adapted to connect with and transmit its
movement to a suitable selected stimulation device such as the male
stimulator 28 that is shown in FIG. 7. Different specific device
adapters 24 to be affixed to the universal adapter 25 are available
for both male and female sexual stimulation devices (27 in FIG. 1
or 28 as in FIG. 7).
While rotational stimulation is satisfying to many users as a novel
stimulus, there is nothing natural about rotation in the act of
intercourse. The universal adapter 25 is always rotating and
following the linear profile (if any) of the shuttle 2. The device
adapters 24 can be affixed to the universal adapter 25 by way of a
free-turning shaft that allows the final motion imparted to the
user to be only linear. In combination then of various shuttle
profiles and fixed or free-turning attachment of the device
adapters, the user can select any combination of rotation,
reciprocation, or both.
FIG. 8 illustrates the expanded stand-off assembly configured to
carry a male masturbation device 28 (not part of the invention).
There are two additional components. There is a stand-off extender
22 which slips over the female stand-off housing 20. This enables
the user to adjust the depth of the masturbation device within the
overall assembly. Once the adjustment is made, the stand-off
extender 22 can be set in place snuggly with relation to the female
stand-off housing 20 by way of a belt (not shown) that compresses
it around the inner stand-off housing 20. Finally, a male safety
sleeve 21 slides freely inside the end of stand-off extender 22.
The safety sleeve is constructed essentially the same as the female
stand-off housing 20, but serves a different purpose. The male
masturbation device 28 moves freely inside the male safety sleeve
21, which is held concentric with the female stand-off tube 20 by
way of the stand-off extender 22. The safety sleeve 21 protects the
male user from being pinched between the male masturbation device
28 and any component of the stand-off assembly 300. Were the user
to be pinched here, the male safety sleeve would simply slide out
in unison with the masturbation device preventing injury to the
user.
The present invention described herein, therefore, is well adapted
to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages
mentioned, as well as others inherent therein. While a presently
preferred embodiment of the invention has been described for
purposes of disclosure, numerous changes in the details of
procedures may be made for accomplishing the desired results. For
example, the embodiment illustrated in the drawings derives all
forms of motion by strictly mechanical interaction of the shuttle
2, the transmission fork 12, and the cam follower 3. In a different
embodiment the action of the shuttle could be electromagnetically
induced. The gear train and transmission fork 12 could be
eliminated while the rest of the drive train safety mechanisms
remain effective. Electromagnetically actuating the shuttle would
provide nearly limitless versatility of motion by use of
inexpensive internal or external computer programmable controllers,
and would allow even greater safety. Feedback from the power source
could instantly disable the machine when resistance to motion in
any direction caused the current draw to exceed some threshold.
It will also be apparent that the diameter and length of the
shuttle and transmission tube could be made large enough such that
the shuttle itself could carry a male masturbation sleeve. In such
an embodiment the standoff assemblies are not necessary, therefore
a shorter device is made possible at the expense of broader and
somewhat heavier machine whose operation and activation would
otherwise be identical. Further, a collection vessel may be
included with such a male-configured device so as to collect semen.
In this way, the device of the present invention could be used in
animal breeding programs.
As described above, in the preferred embodiment, the linear
reversing actuation is effected by way of the cam follower moving
along one or mole grooves in the outside surface of the rotating
shuttle. It should be evident that the system would work equally
well with the groove on the inside of the tube and the cam follower
attached to the shuttle. Another alternative for a linear reversing
actuator would be a mechanism not unlike the commercially available
level-wind systems found on casting type fishing reels (sometimes
known as a diamond-reverser).
These and other similar modifications will readily suggest
themselves to those skilled in the art, and are intended to be
encompassed within the spirit of the present invention disclosed
herein and the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *
References